"Nine-Tails," "Fourth Hokage," "Jinchuriki."
As Kakashi Hatake connected these three terms one by one, the truth of twelve years ago was slowly unveiled before Naruto Uzumaki.
A long time after Kakashi finished speaking, Naruto let out a long, dazed sigh.
"Looks like the villagers weren't wrong after all. In a way, calling me 'Demon Fox' was actually correct."
Naruto's tone was light, as if he didn't care about any of it.
But his eyes were shrouded in shadow, making his true emotions impossible to read.
Kakashi didn't know if his decision today was the right one. To be honest, he had started to regret it halfway through.
He shouldn't have let his emotions get the better of him and reveal information that was supposed to be kept secret.
But Naruto's own "fantastical experience" was too shocking, and it had thrown his own state of mind into turmoil.
In principle, the truth about the Nine-Tails' rampage twelve years ago and Naruto's identity as the Nine-Tails' jinchuriki were not to be disclosed.
And concealing this information was, in a way, a form of "protection" for Naruto.
—At least, before today, Kakashi had agreed with this reason.
But given the power Naruto now displayed, combined with his claim of spending twenty years in another world, that reason seemed to lose its footing.
Moreover, both emotionally and logically, Naruto, as the biggest victim and key figure in this incident, had the right to know the truth.
In comparison, Kakashi was more concerned about the "attackers" Naruto had mentioned.
He knew that Naruto had always been protected—or rather, monitored—by the Hokage's direct ANBU subordinates.
So, who could silently make these ANBU leave and, at the same time, allow someone to brazenly attack the jinchuriki within Konoha's territory?
The possibilities behind this were terrifying to consider.
In an instant, the most likely suspects appeared in Kakashi's mind.
Among them, the leader of "Root," Danzo Shimura, was the most suspicious.
He kept a straight face but committed the matter to memory, planning to report it to the Third Hokage upon their return to the village.
But for now, the more crucial issue was Naruto's attitude after learning the truth.
Kakashi could no longer maintain his previously nonchalant demeanor. He looked at Naruto across the campfire, opened his mouth, but in the end, his responsibility as a ninja won out over his personal feelings.
"Naruto, I think the Third Hokage didn't tell everyone your identity to protect you. After all, you—"
"So that's what your guilt is about?"
"Indeed. A jinchuriki, such a powerful 'weapon,' should of course be kept secret."
"But—why didn't you tell me who my parents were?"
For the first time since returning from the pirate world, Naruto showed such a strong emotional fluctuation.
Faced with his question, Kakashi was speechless. He wanted to continue defending the Third, but he couldn't find any more convincing words.
That's right. Even if they couldn't reveal Naruto's jinchuriki status, they could have at least let him grow up in Konoha as the "son of a hero," couldn't they?
Not only did they not give Naruto the treatment due to the Fourth Hokage's orphan, but they even allowed the "demon fox" rumor to spread among the civilians, causing Naruto to suffer so much isolation and ostracism he shouldn't have had to bear.
Compared to the grievances Naruto had suffered over the years, any words at this moment were pale and powerless.
"Naruto... I think the Third Hokage had his own difficulties."
As Kakashi said this, perhaps even he couldn't convince himself.
But to calm Naruto down, he chose to say it anyway.
"If you can, I hope you can forgive him..."
Across from him, Naruto lifted his head, his face exposed to the firelight.
What kind of expression was that?
Beyond the grievance and anger, the only thing visible was "disappointment."
"I will not forgive."
Kakashi wanted to say more, but Naruto stopped him with a raised hand.
"Kakashi-sensei, thank you for telling me the truth."
"The Third... Grandpa. I want to hear him explain all this to me himself."
As he said this, Naruto didn't know what he was feeling himself.
For so many years, if he had to pick one person in Konoha who treated him the best, it was undoubtedly the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.
His special place in Naruto's heart was something even Iruka-sensei couldn't match.
At one point, Naruto had even come to see him as his own grandfather.
During his "true" childhood, it was Grandpa Third who had given him care and warmth.
If you were to say that was all a facade, Naruto would be the first to disbelieve it.
But why... why treat me like this...
By now, the sky was beginning to show a sliver of dawn, and the first ray of morning light quietly appeared.
Unknowingly, the two had been talking by the campfire all night.
Perhaps it was because they had stayed up all night, but Kakashi thought he saw a hint of redness around Naruto's eyes.
"Let's put this matter to rest for now. We'll talk about it after we complete this mission."
Naruto quickly composed himself, turning back into the "Great Hero" of the high seas.
Before Kakashi could say anything more, he pointed to the other three, who were still unconscious.
"I'll leave them in your care for now, Kakashi-sensei. I'll go find us some food."
After saying this, Naruto's figure vanished, leaving Kakashi alone, staring blankly at the flames.
In a foul mood, Naruto "flew" aimlessly through the air. He soon passed the forest and reached a cluster of buildings on the water.
If he wasn't mistaken, that should be their destination, Old Man Tazuna's home.
Naruto lightly stepped on the air, looking down at the people below for a while.
Some of them were already preparing to go out to sea.
If I go over there now, I should be able to find some food, right?
Remembering that there was an old man in their group, Naruto gave up on the idea of hunting a beast for a wild barbecue.
It would be a hassle if the old man got indigestion.
Suddenly, Naruto's gaze shifted to the distance. A pointed building, hidden in the woods like a spinning top, came into his view.
His Observation Haki spread out rapidly as if it cost nothing, soon enveloping the building.
Sensing what was happening inside, Naruto's attention was finally diverted.
So there's still a drama like this playing out...
Stomping his feet, Naruto's figure shot forward like an arrow, flying quickly towards that direction.
And what followed was what you have already seen.
The oblivious big-shot merchant Gato happened to run into Naruto, who was out "hunting," and was dealt with easily.
Following the footprints outside the door, Naruto watched the entire performance of Zabuza and Haku as they faced death.
Perhaps because of his own past experiences, Naruto didn't want this pair of partners to meet their end just like that.
He made his move.
The lives of Haku and Zabuza, due to Naruto's intervention, were not extinguished in the Land of Waves.
Perhaps they wouldn't listen to Naruto. Perhaps they would continue to act as assassins.
And perhaps, one day, they would die at the hands of another.
But that was no longer Naruto's concern.
As he had said, he wanted to save them, so he did. It had nothing to do with the two of them.
In a way, Naruto was also an extremely "willful" person.
Just like the other "Emperors of the Sea," he had his own code of conduct.
Unbeknownst to Team 7, and even the client, the life-and-death crisis in the Land of Waves had actually been resolved by Naruto on a whim.
[Chapter Complete]
***
Want more? Check out my Patreon for:
✓ Advanced chapters of all my stories
✓ Exclusive novels & fanfics
✓ Early access content www.patreon.com/meowthtl
💪 Community Goal: 500 Power Stones unlocks a bonus chapter!
Thanks for reading and supporting the story!